Cuba travel for Canadians: what you need to know

The key difference

OFAC / Cuban Assets Control Regulations apply only to U.S. persons. Canadians travel to Cuba under normal Canada-Cuba diplomatic and tourism relations. Canadian charter airlines fly direct to Varadero, Cayo Coco, Holguín, and Havana year-round.

Entry requirements checklist

• ✔ Passport valid for at least 6 months
• ✔ Cuba eVisa ($85 online)
• ✔ D'Viajeros form completed within 7 days of arrival
• ✔ Travel and medical insurance
• ✔ Return or onward ticket

Traveling to Cuba from Canada via Miami: What You Need to Know

Connecting through the United States on your way from Canada to Cuba is common — but because your itinerary passes through U.S. territory, a few extra requirements apply. Here's how to make sure your trip is smooth and fully compliant.

1. You'll need a Cuba eVisa

All non-Cuban-born travelers entering Cuba need a valid Cuba Electronic Visa (eVisa). For Canadians connecting through Miami, your eVisa must be issued by the Cuban Consulate in the USA and say "USA" on the Evisa — with one exception:

Keep your connection confirmation or boarding passes on hand — this is what establishes same-day transit if asked.

2. You'll need to complete the D'Viajeros form

In addition to your eVisa, Cuba requires every traveler — regardless of nationality — to complete the D'Viajeros digital entry form before arrival. This form collects health, customs, and immigration information and generates a QR code that must be presented at check-in and at Cuba entry/exit.

• ✔ Complete it within 7 days of arrival (some carriers require it within 72 hours of your flight)
• ✔ Your eVisa number must be entered into the form
• ✔ Official portal: dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu

3. Your trip must qualify under an OFAC-authorized category

Because your connection routes through the United States, your travel becomes subject to U.S. Treasury (OFAC) rules — even though you're a Canadian citizen. Tourism is not a permitted purpose for travel departing the U.S. to Cuba. Instead, your trip must qualify under one of the 12 OFAC-authorized travel categories, such as:

• • Support for the Cuban People
• • Family visits
• • Educational activities
• • Professional research and meetings
• • Religious activities
• • Humanitarian projects

Most travelers connecting through Miami qualify under Support for the Cuban People, which involves staying in private accommodations, dining at privately owned paladares, and engaging meaningfully with Cuban entrepreneurs and communities rather than state-run tourism.